Snatchy Power Steering!?

[FAST_aD13]

I've just picked up a 172 today, which - having test driven it all appeared to be fine...

..however on the motorway drive back i noticed that the power steering "snatches" alittle when gradually turning right (changing lane).

The steering suddenly tugs, feels similar to when your stuck in lorry tracks... once past the initial snatch its fine - is just alittle un-nerving!

Any ideas whats causing it??

At low speeds its not noticeable and theres no creaking or grinding. :S

 

[d4vy]

Whether it's connected or not, I had a similar-ish problem and it was a completely nackered bottom ball joint.

 

[FAST_aD13]

as in these: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Renault-Clio-172%2f182-PH2-Ball-Joint_W0QQitemZ250619873288QQcmdZViewItem?rvr_id=224130552030&rvr_id=224130552030&cguid=05b077181260a0aad317d847ffd84adc

I presume when the cars on stands its easy to see the play in the ball joint?

 

[d4vy]

Urm not to sure if you can do it on the ground as mine was on a ramp, but yeah one of those. Jack it up and get a crowbar under all the components see if there is any play in anything.

 

[FAST_aD13]

- - PROBLEM SOLVED - -
​

Jacked the car up with the wheels pointing striaght ahead and the lower ball joint appeared fine.. however with the wheel turned the play in the ball joint became apparent!

This coupled with a seized/leaky O/S damper were causing the crazy snatch in the steering when i initially turned right.

Fitted a new O/S Lower Ball Joint & Damper and the car now corners like should!

Properly pleased - Thanks for the help d4vy!

 

[d4vy]

Brill glad you sorted it dude!